ACT Policing has recovered a significant amount of personal property stolen from rural Canberra locations and residences in the past year. In some cases, the property stolen was used to commit a range of other crimes.

Officers from ACT Policing’s Rural Patrol have been leading a targeted investigation into thefts and burglaries in the southern and western districts of the ACT.

Yesterday 24 January, members from Rural Patrol, Tuggeranong and Woden Police Stations and Specialist Protection Command executed search warrants in Torrens and Greenway.

Among the items located by police were stolen chainsaws, tools, firearm parts, drugs, ammunition and unlawfully obtained firewood.

Police worked closely with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, which led officers to believe that two men were receiving stolen chainsaws and other equipment to illegally vandalise endangered tree species which were then sold for personal gain.

Acting Superintendent, ACT Policing South District, Rod Anderson, said that close working relationships with partner agencies and the Canberra community helped bring these criminals before the court.

“Every theft and burglary should be reported to police as they can contribute to an intelligence picture. In this situation, such intelligence has allowed us to obtain search warrants, recover the stolen goods and protect these endangered trees,” Acting Superintendent Anderson said.

While a significant amount of stolen property has been recovered, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Police expect to lay charges against persons of interest in the coming days.

If you have experienced a theft or burglary, please make a report to police on 131444.